WASHINGTON, May 15, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) applauds President Obama for his commitment to nominate a diverse selection of individuals to high-ranking positions within the Administration. Last year, USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez met with President Obama to discuss the strategic goals of the Hispanic business community, including strengthening U.S. trade relations with Latin America. Since then, the USHCC has partnered with the Administration on key initiatives, from comprehensive immigration reform, educating small businesses on important provisions in the Affordable Care Act, as well as hosting the first-ever Hispanic Business Leaders Forum.

"As the nation's leading advocate for 3.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses, the USHCC works closely with key public officials. We are strongly supportive of President Obama's diverse nominees, and look forward to seeing them serve at the highest echelons of the Administration," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "With individuals such as Victor Menendez at the helm, not only is the President placing his legacy in very capable hands, but also empowering them to serve their country in a very meaningful way. With only two years remaining in what has been a historic presidency, the President's ongoing commitment to lead our nation with remarkably talented individuals by his side is inspiring."

Earlier this year, the USHCC launched a three-month campaign supporting President Obama's nominee for SBA Administrator, Maria Contreras-Sweet. The effort included leading a coalition of the ten largest business associations in the nation, and resulted in successfully urging Congress to confirm Ms. Contreras-Sweet – the first Latina appointed to the SBA since the post was elevated to a full cabinet-level agency.

Mr. Palomarez added: "We call for a swift confirmation of these well-qualified nominees. Through their life's work, each of these individuals demonstrates an unquestionable ability to serve our nation, both at home and abroad. We are confident that their work will leave a lasting and positive legacy for the American people, our economy, and our way of life for years to come."

The President's nominees are:

Victor M. Mendez – Deputy Secretary, Department of Transportation

Robert S. Adler – Commissioner, Consumer Product Safety Commission

Peter Rogoff – Under Secretary for Policy, Department of Transportation

Ted Osius – Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Department of State

Joan A. Polaschik – Ambassador to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Department of State

Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of our nation's entrepreneurs. The USHCC advocates on behalf of nearly 3.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses, that together contribute in excess of $468 billion to the American economy, each year. As the leading organization of its kind, the USHCC serves as an umbrella to more than 200 local chambers and business associations across the nation, and partners with more than 220 major corporations.